understanding_n for_o when_o hypocrite_n have_v for_o their_o worldly_a interest_n debauch_a religion_n in_o this_o manner_n they_o know_v that_o the_o mean_a people_n will_v never_o swallow_v their_o gross_a absurdity_n unless_o they_o can_v first_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o trust_v their_o own_o eye_n or_o to_o hearken_v to_o any_o discourse_n from_o principle_n of_o reason_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o clear_a and_o strong_a and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o merit_n to_o believe_v thing_n incredible_a and_o to_o stick_v to_o a_o conclusion_n the_o fast_o the_o more_o impossible_a it_o seem_v to_o be_v true_a but_o by_o the_o way_n if_o reason_n be_v one_o and_o that_o the_o first_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v for_o ourselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o i_o shall_v make_v bold_a to_o say_v it_o be_v i_o shall_v vehement_o suspect_v without_o far_a examination_n that_o they_o know_v their_o 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true_a than_o we_o be_v that_o that_o doctrine_n be_v false_a there_o be_v some_o other_o doctrine_n maintain_v by_o man_n of_o name_n in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o have_v no_o better_a ground_n for_o than_o obscure_a text_n interpret_v contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o religion_n this_o caution_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v mind_v in_o the_o first_o place_n 2._o we_o must_v put_v no_o sense_n upon_o a_o difficult_a place_n which_o contradict_v the_o great_a end_n and_o drift_n of_o the_o whole_a bible_n now_o that_o be_v to_o work_v faith_n in_o man_n and_o thereby_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o doctrine_n do_v natural_o tend_v to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o the_o care_n of_o holy_a live_n by_o nourish_v they_o in_o foolish_a presumption_n or_o drive_v they_o to_o miserable_a despair_n can_v be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o such_o a_o doctrine_n can_v be_v prove_v from_o any_o obscure_a text_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o by_o consequence_n that_o sense_n of_o a_o obsure_n text_n from_o which_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v be_v not_o the_o true_a sense_n unless_o we_o can_v believe_v that_o some_o part_n of_o the_o holy_a book_n teach_v something_o that_o undermine_v the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o whole_a there_o be_v too_o many_o opinion_n among_o some_o christian_n that_o have_v no_o other_o colour_n for_o they_o than_o scripture_n interpret_v without_o this_o necessary_a caution_n which_o must_v therefore_o be_v add_v to_o the_o former_a 3._o we_o must_v not_o understand_v a_o difficult_a place_n in_o a_o sense_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o those_o place_n who_o meaning_n be_v plain_a and_o manifest_a to_o all_o man_n for_o the_o scripture_n can_v teach_v one_o thing_n plain_o in_o one_o place_n and_o the_o quite_o contrary_a obscure_o in_o another_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a therefore_o in_o try_v to_o understand_v a_o difficult_a place_n 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have_v mislead_v they_o four_o we_o shall_v not_o easy_o believe_v those_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n who_o will_v keep_v we_o from_o examine_v their_o doctrine_n by_o fair_a way_n of_o trial_n and_o will_v affright_v we_o into_o a_o implicit_a faith_n by_o pronounce_v damnation_n against_o all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o way_n if_o man_n use_v violence_n or_o subtlety_n to_o hinder_v we_o from_o judge_v for_o ourselves_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o they_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o a_o bad_a cause_n which_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o trial_n i_o need_v not_o say_v how_o this_o reach_v the_o roman_a church_n which_o forbid_v the_o laity_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n unless_o some_o one_o layman_n have_v that_o special_a favour_n grant_v he_o of_o leave_n so_o to_o do_v from_o his_o ordinary_n who_o common_o be_v wise_a enough_o not_o to_o give_v this_o licence_n but_o where_o he_o be_v sure_a the_o party_n be_v fast_o enough_o 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the_o people_n from_o harken_v to_o any_o thing_n we_o can_v say_v to_o they_o and_o to_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o conclude_v against_o we_o without_o think_v it_o to_o any_o purpose_n to_o examine_v what_o be_v offer_v on_o both_o side_n they_o that_o have_v a_o good_a cause_n need_v not_o use_v those_o disingenuous_a art_n they_o will_v not_o fright_v man_n from_o consider_v what_o their_o adversary_n say_v by_o denounce_v damnation_n against_o they_o nor_o forbid_v they_o to_o read_v their_o book_n but_o rather_o encourage_v they_o to_o do_v so_o that_o they_o may_v see_v the_o difference_n between_o truth_n and_o error_n between_o reason_n and_o sophistry_n with_o their_o own_o eye_n this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o wellgrounded_n confidence_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o there_o be_v this_o sign_n of_o a_o good_a cause_n apparent_o discernible_a in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o this_o church_n both_o to_o their_o friend_n and_o enemy_n they_o desire_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o to_o consider_v impartial_o what_o be_v say_v for_o we_o and_o against_o we_o and_o whatever_o guide_v of_o a_o party_n do_v otherwise_o they_o give_v just_a cause_n to_o those_o that_o follow_v they_o to_o examine_v their_o doctrine_n so_o much_o the_o more_o by_o how_o much_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o have_v they_o examine_v it_o be_v a_o bad_a sign_n when_o man_n be_v loath_a to_o have_v their_o opinion_n see_v in_o the_o day_n but_o love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v thus_o i_o have_v show_v in_o what_o case_n we_o be_v most_o concern_v to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o that_o undertake_v to_o inftruct_v and_o guide_v we_o §_o 5._o ii_o because_o the_o duty_n of_o prove_v all_o thing_n suppose_v certain_a rule_n and_o test_n by_o which_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o try_v i_o proceed_v to_o show_v what_o they_o be_v now_o it_o be_v very_o certain_a that_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o try_v doctrine_n for_o 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we_o be_v safe_a if_o our_o persuasion_n in_o religion_n will_v bear_v the_o test_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n and_o withal_o those_o rule_n be_v near_o at_o hand_n for_o every_o man_n use_n among_o we_o but_o the_o last_o rule_n be_v also_o of_o good_a use_n to_o those_o that_o can_v use_v it_o for_o their_o own_o confirmation_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o gainsayers_a but_o more_o particular_o 1._o by_o reason_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o faculty_n by_o which_o we_o be_v man_n and_o can_v compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o and_o argue_v and_o conclude_v etc._n etc._n for_o this_o be_v that_o natural_a power_n by_o which_o we_o use_v any_o kind_n of_o rule_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o opinion_n in_o religion_n but_o i_o understand_v by_o it_o those_o common_a truth_n which_o be_v natural_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o to_o which_o we_o give_v a_o ready_a assent_n without_o any_o need_n of_o have_v they_o prove_v by_o any_o thing_n else_o for_o by_o these_o fundamental_a truth_n we_o be_v to_o prove_v all_o thing_n else_o and_o if_o there_o be_v none_o such_o we_o can_v prove_v nothing_o and_o they_o be_v such_o as_o these_o that_o nothing_o can_v make_v itself_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n can_v be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o common_a sense_n be_v to_o be_v trust_v that_o god_n be_v a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a that_o the_o good_a be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o the_o evil_a to_o be_v refuse_v and_o that_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a and_o the_o like_a now_o whatever_o be_v by_o true_a consequence_n deduce_v from_o such_o principle_n be_v thereby_o prove_v to_o be_v true_a and_o whatsoever_o be_v repugnant_a to_o they_o or_o can_v be_v disprove_v by_o they_o be_v false_a they_o be_v the_o forementioned_a proposition_n with_o other_o as_o self-evident_a as_o they_o which_o make_v up_o that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o of_o reason_n and_o i_o mention_v this_o rule_n in_o the_o first_o place_n because_o it_o must_v be_v presuppose_v to_o all_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o inquire_v after_o truth_n and_o without_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v in_o it_o insomuch_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deduce_v from_o mere_a natural_a reason_n but_o depend_v upon_o a_o divine_a testimony_n be_v at_o last_o resolve_v into_o a_o rational_a act_n and_o rely_v upon_o this_o natural_a principle_n that_o god_n can_v lie_v wherefore_o they_o that_o cry_v down_o reason_n as_o if_o it_o be_v at_o no_o hand_n to_o be_v trust_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o call_v it_o carnal_a blind_a and_o foolish_a reason_n and_o suchlike_a vile_a name_n if_o they_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n they_o be_v incapable_a of_o search_v after_o truth_n themselves_o and_o of_o receive_v any_o satisfaction_n from_o other_o while_o they_o be_v in_o this_o humour_n i_o may_v as_o well_o take_v a_o beast_n to_o dispute_v with_o as_o go_v about_o to_o convince_v they_o and_o if_o all_o man_n be_v thus_o senseless_a it_o be_v impossible_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v serviceable_a to_o instruct_v one_o another_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o to_o abandon_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o scorn_v a_o man_n when_o he_o speak_v consistent_o and_o argue_v clear_o from_o common_a principle_n of_o truth_n be_v such_o a_o wretched_a sort_n of_o unmanliness_n that_o i_o can_v but_o think_v it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n take_v up_o in_o design_n by_o those_o man_n that_o have_v bring_v nonsense_n and_o contradiction_n and_o absurd_a opinion_n into_o religion_n which_o no_o man_n can_v admit_v without_o do_v violence_n to_o his_o own_o
meaning_n be_v most_o plain_a and_o evident_a but_o this_o caution_n will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n if_o we_o take_v the_o next_o along_o with_o we_o and_o that_o be_v this_o 4._o in_o try_v opinion_n by_o scripture_n we_o must_v be_v something_o careful_a lest_o we_o mistake_v those_o place_n for_o plain_a which_o indeed_o be_v not_o so_o but_o more_o or_o less_o obscure_a and_o here_o i_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o show_v what_o i_o mean_v by_o the_o plainness_n or_o by_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o text._n a_o text_n be_v then_o plain_a when_o that_o be_v the_o true_a and_o intend_a meaning_n of_o it_o which_o the_o first_o read_v or_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n do_v suggest_v to_o a_o man_n mind_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v thus_o plain_a in_o necessary_a point_n especial_o in_o the_o precept_n and_o exhortation_n thereof_o which_o though_o in_o some_o place_n they_o be_v couch_v under_o more_o obscure_a term_n yet_o in_o other_o they_o be_v deliver_v with_o this_o plainness_n a_o 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your_o salvation_n be_v not_o salvation_n of_o work_n and_o 12._o yet_o must_v we_o work_v it_o out_o either_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o true_a in_o the_o sense_n some_o take_v the_o word_n that_o salvation_n be_v not_o of_o work_n or_o it_o be_v not_o proper_a to_o bid_v we_o work_v it_o out_o wherefore_o by_o this_o plain_a place_n work_n out_o your_o salvation_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o the_o other_o place_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v of_o work_n whatsoever_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o may_v be_v it_o can_v have_v this_o meaning_n that_o our_o salvation_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o our_o work_n or_o do_n in_o like_a manner_n whereas_o the_o apostle_n say_v it_o be_v not_o of_o he_o that_o will_v nor_o of_o he_o that_o run_v etc._n etc._n do_v he_o not_o in_o a_o plain_a practical_a discourse_n wherein_o he_o compare_v the_o christian_a life_n to_o a_o race_n exhort_v we_o so_o to_o run_v that_o we_o 24._o may_v obtain_v now_o be_v it_o not_o of_o run_v that_o we_o obtain_v and_o yet_o do_v he_o bid_v we_o so_o run_v that_o we_o may_v obtain_v wherefore_o the_o plain_a precept_n to_o run_v etc._n etc._n evident_o show_v that_o it_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o other_o place_n that_o it_o be_v not_o by_o run_v or_o by_o diligence_n in_o a_o christian_a life_n that_o we_o obtain_v salvation_n 7._o again_o whereas_o he_o ask_v in_o one_o place_n who_o make_v thou_o to_o differ_v from_o another_o he_o also_o exhort_v in_o another_o 2._o be_v not_o conform_v to_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o former_a clause_n can_v be_v that_o the_o righteous_a man_n who_o be_v more_o excellent_a than_o his_o neighbour_n do_v nothing_o towards_o the_o make_n of_o that_o difference_n for_o than_o it_o will_v be_v very_o improper_a to_o exhort_v a_o man_n to_o make_v that_o difference_n by_o not_o conform_v to_o the_o world_n final_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o these_o place_n of_o st._n paul_n which_o i_o have_v now_o compare_v can_v be_v 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scripture_n that_o belong_v to_o a_o discourse_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o design_n and_o scope_n of_o that_o discourse_n to_o which_o it_o belong_v this_o rule_n as_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o all_o to_o observe_v so_o it_o be_v especial_o to_o be_v urge_v upon_o man_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o interpret_v place_n that_o be_v not_o of_o themselves_o plain_a by_o those_o opinion_n that_o they_o be_v already_o possess_v with_o a_o belief_n of_o but_o for_o which_o they_o have_v little_a ground_n beside_o the_o mere_a sound_n of_o some_o text_n which_o at_o first_o hear_v seem_v to_o be_v of_o their_o side_n but_o which_o if_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o design_n of_o the_o holy_a writer_n in_o that_o chapter_n or_o book_n will_v be_v find_v to_o mean_v quite_o another_o thing_n all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v beside_o of_o this_o rule_n be_v that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o many_o place_n that_o be_v not_o of_o themselves_o plain_a will_v be_v remove_v by_o observe_v it_o for_o 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opinion_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v what_o caution_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o judge_v by_o scripture_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o all_o will_v acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o equal_a and_o if_o all_o man_n have_v observe_v they_o who_o have_v a_o just_a veneration_n for_o the_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v be_v better_o understand_v and_o less_o wrest_v unsound_a divinity_n have_v not_o easy_o pass_v for_o scriptural_a truth_n and_o all_o occasion_n of_o those_o unjust_a reproach_n have_v be_v take_v away_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n throw_v upon_o we_o for_o allow_v to_o all_o christian_n the_o free_a use_n of_o god_n holy_a book_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n 3._o the_o three_o i_o mention_v be_v antiquity_n and_o catholic_n tradition_n now_o if_o this_o rule_n as_o i_o say_v at_o first_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n than_o they_o be_v in_o the_o best_a way_n to_o find_v out_o what_o be_v the_o 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show_v what_o order_n and_o discipline_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o apostle_n for_o confirm_v we_o in_o point_n of_o faith_n ground_v upon_o the_o scripture_n but_o which_o have_v be_v dispute_v and_o oppose_v by_o heretic_n and_o likewise_o for_o confute_v those_o gross_a error_n in_o belief_n or_o practice_n which_o of_o late_a day_n have_v be_v bring_v in_o among_o christian_n especial_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o how_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v by_o this_o rule_n i_o shall_v not_o etc._n here_o direct_v because_o this_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o a_o excellent_a discourse_n already_o publish_v and_o thus_o much_o concern_v rule_n whereby_o to_o try_v opinion_n in_o religion_n §_o 7._o iii_o the_o disposition_n wherewith_o we_o be_v to_o search_v for_o the_o truth_n by_o these_o mean_n be_v also_o of_o necessary_a consideration_n for_o whatever_o other_o advantage_n we_o have_v if_o we_o be_v great_o defective_a in_o these_o we_o shall_v very_o often_o lose_v our_o labour_n and_o fall_v into_o mistake_n of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o qualify_v a_o man_n for_o receive_v truth_n when_o propound_v with_o sufficient_a evidence_n or_o to_o find_v it_o out_o by_o his_o own_o search_n there_o must_v be_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o a_o prepare_a mind_n 2._o competent_a diligence_n 3._o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o blessing_n upon_o that_o diligence_n 1._o a_o prepare_a mind_n which_o our_o saviour_n call_v a_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n now_o this_o consist_v in_o humility_n ingenuity_n and_o sincerity_n humility_n be_v necessary_a because_o overween_v and_o self-concit_a make_v a_o man_n apt_a to_o despise_v what_o those_o of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n can_v say_v for_o themselves_o before_o their_o argument_n be_v consider_v and_o in_o general_a to_o neglect_v that_o help_n which_o may_v be_v have_v by_o the_o advice_n and_o reason_n of_o other_o so_o likewise_o vainglory_n fix_v a_o man_n in_o a_o error_n he_o have_v once_o defend_v and_o while_o he_o be_v unwilling_a to_o acknowledge_v a_o mistake_n he_o strain_v all_o his_o wit_n to_o delude_v himself_o into_o a_o strong_a belief_n of_o it_o and_o of_o his_o ability_n to_o defend_v it_o in_o controversy_n he_o be_v desirous_a of_o victory_n and_o will_v fain_o be_v think_v somebody_o and_o therefore_o he_o study_v more_o to_o expose_v a_o adversary_n than_o to_o inform_v himself_o and_o if_o he_o be_v yet_o to_o choose_v his_o side_n of_o a_o question_n he_o take_v the_o wrong_a one_o if_o it_o be_v more_o fashionable_a than_o the_o right_n therefore_o say_v our_o saviour_n whosoever_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o a_o little_a child_n i._n e._n with_o a_o meek_a and_o pliable_a spirit_n shall_v not_o enter_v therein_o again_o say_v he_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n intimate_v that_o they_o will_v be_v easy_o convince_v who_o be_v of_o tractable_a and_o humble_a mind_n and_o therefore_o he_o add_v concern_v the_o pharisee_n that_o they_o reject_v he_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o his_o sheep_n i._n e._n because_o of_o their_o haughty_a and_o inflexible_a disposition_n prejudice_n be_v apt_a to_o bar_v the_o mind_n against_o conviction_n as_o well_o as_o pride_n and_o therefore_o to_o humility_n we_o must_v add_v ingenuity_n and_o sincerity_n by_o which_o a_o man_n be_v qualify_v to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o suggestion_n of_o prejudice_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o force_n of_o good_a reason_n on_o the_o other_o ingenuity_n be_v oppose_v to_o those_o prejudices_fw-la that_o be_v either_o unavoidable_o contract_v or_o take_v up_o through_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n of_o the_o former_a sort_n be_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n or_o converse_v altogether_o with_o our_o own_o party_n man_n be_v general_o prepossess_v with_o great_a favour_n to_o those_o opinion_n in_o which_o they_o have_v be_v all_o along_o train_v up_o and_o which_o have_v be_v instill_v into_o they_o by_o all_o that_o they_o have_v converse_v with_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v be_v meet_a inquirer_n after_o truth_n if_o we_o want_v the_o ingenuity_n of_o suspect_v ourselves_o on_o this_o side_n and_o try_v those_o persuasion_n in_o which_o we_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o with_o the_o great_a impartiality_n and_o severity_n some_o man_n be_v prejudice_v by_o a_o unaccountable_a inclination_n towards_o a_o opinion_n or_o a_o antipathy_n against_o it_o and_o these_o aught_o the_o more_o careful_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o warmth_n of_o their_o imagination_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o force_n of_o argument_n on_o the_o other_o and_o not_o to_o take_v a_o passionate_a fondness_n for_o a_o conclusion_n or_o a_o aversion_n from_o it_o to_o be_v a_o reason_n one_o way_n or_o other_o it_o be_v very_o incident_a to_o weak_a mind_n to_o prejudg_v in_o favour_n of_o
in_o this_o business_n without_o direct_v they_o to_o use_v the_o best_a help_n they_o can_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n be_v very_o dangerous_a indeed_o and_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v contend_v for_o this_o liberty_n of_o judgement_n in_o behalf_n of_o christian_a people_n or_o of_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o for_o this_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o advise_v they_o to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o as_o to_o conclude_v for_o themselves_o before_o they_o have_v take_v any_o pain_n to_o judge_v for_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o judge_v who_o refuse_v the_o mean_n without_o which_o they_o can_v make_v no_o trial_n now_o the_o assistance_n of_o man_n of_o great_a knowledge_n and_o ability_n than_o themselves_o have_v be_v one_o very_o necessary_a mean_n by_o which_o private_a and_o unlearned_a person_n be_v to_o examine_v and_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o god_n have_v not_o only_o give_v we_o ability_n to_o find_v out_o some_o truth_n by_o ourselves_o but_o also_o to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o other_o offer_v to_o we_o and_o therefore_o he_o have_v appoint_v governor_n and_o guide_n of_o soul_n that_o be_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n and_o to_o instruct_v christian_a people_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o one_o part_n of_o their_o work_n be_v to_o enable_v they_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o i_o pet._n 3._o 15._o which_o i_o conceive_v they_o can_v do_v without_o inform_v and_o help_v they_o to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o so_o that_o liberty_n of_o examine_v in_o order_n to_o private_a judgement_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n exclude_v advise_v with_o and_o harken_v to_o man_n of_o great_a skill_n and_o ability_n than_o ourselves_o especial_o to_o the_o public_a guide_n of_o soul_n but_o rather_o make_v it_o necessary_a so_o to_o do_v this_o be_v one_o mean_n of_o god_n appointment_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o inform_v ourselves_o and_o i_o grant_v that_o without_o very_o good_a and_o clear_a reason_n we_o be_v not_o to_o depart_v from_o their_o doctrine_n but_o in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n to_o presume_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v dangerous_a to_o private_a person_n to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v what_o their_o guide_n teach_v they_o to_o believe_v or_o to_o do_v this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n understand_v unless_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o follow_v our_o guide_n like_o man_n that_o have_v reason_n and_o not_o like_o beast_n that_o have_v none_o it_o be_v at_o any_o time_n as_o safe_a to_o follow_v a_o guide_n with_o our_o eye_n open_a as_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v blindfolded_a and_o then_o to_o follow_v he_o by_o a_o string_n god_n have_v refer_v we_o to_o guide_n heb._n 13._o 17._o but_o yet_o he_o have_v trust_v we_o to_o ourselves_o too_o and_o we_o be_v to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n otherwise_o we_o may_v follow_v guide_n that_o want_v guide_n themselves_o and_o if_o the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a both_o fall_n into_o the_o ditch_n to_o say_v that_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n with_o the_o best_a endeavour_n and_o mean_n that_o we_o have_v in_o our_o power_n be_v the_o way_n to_o be_v mistake_v be_v to_o reproach_v our_o own_o reason_n and_o god_n the_o author_n of_o it_o since_o as_o it_o seem_v the_o more_o we_o exercise_v and_o improve_v our_o reason_n the_o more_o likely_a we_o be_v to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o to_o deceive_v and_o abuse_v ourselves_o at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o account_n seducer_n shall_v answer_v for_o those_o who_o they_o have_v deceive_v and_o therefore_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n be_v strong_o oblige_v that_o they_o do_v not_o through_o wilfulness_n or_o negligence_n mislead_v we_o but_o if_o they_o mislead_v we_o in_o thing_n that_o touch_v our_o eternal_a state_n i_o do_v not_o sin_v that_o all_o the_o blame_n will_v lie_v upon_o they_o but_o rather_o that_o we_o also_o shall_v answer_v for_o it_o ourselves_o otherwise_o why_o shall_v our_o saviour_n say_v why_o of_o yourselves_o do_v you_o not_o judge_v that_o which_o be_v right_a luke_n 12._o 57_o and_o st._n john_n believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n 1_o joh._n 4._o 1._o and_o st._n paul_n prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a 1_o thess_n 5._o 21._o and_o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o 2_o thess_n 2._o 3._o again_o if_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o permit_v man_n to_o judge_v for_o themselves_o in_o that_o sense_n wherein_o i_o contend_v for_o it_o than_o these_o be_v not_o wholesome_a but_o very_o dangerous_a exhortation_n and_o yet_o if_o a_o church_n which_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o infallible_a guide_n in_o religion_n can_v make_v it_o out_o clear_o and_o plain_o that_o she_o be_v so_o i_o shall_v without_o much_o examination_n of_o her_o particular_a doctrine_n receive_v they_o as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n but_o then_o i_o must_v have_v strong_a argument_n to_o assure_v i_o that_o she_o be_v infallible_a than_o those_o which_o at_o present_a make_v i_o certain_a that_o she_o be_v actual_o deceive_v for_o to_o submit_v to_o a_o pretend_a infallible_a authority_n without_o know_v why_o i_o do_v so_o be_v to_o put_v it_o into_o the_o power_n of_o other_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v to_o lead_v i_o into_o the_o most_o damnable_a error_n and_o to_o call_v virtue_n vice_n and_o vice_n virtue_n therefore_o they_o must_v be_v very_o convince_a reason_n upon_o which_o i_o be_o to_o believe_v that_o of_o my_o guide_n which_o be_v once_o admit_v i_o must_v take_v his_o bare_a word_n afterward_o for_o all_o thing_n else_o i_o think_v none_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n will_v deny_v this_o and_o then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o for_o my_o own_o safety_n i_o be_o to_o use_v my_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n as_o severe_o as_o i_o can_v before_o i_o admit_v this_o fundamental_a article_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o this_o will_v amount_v to_o what_o i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v dangerous_a for_o man_n to_o use_v their_o own_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a for_o they_o not_o to_o do_v so_o since_o otherwise_o they_o be_v likely_a to_o follow_v man_n of_o the_o great_a confidence_n as_o they_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v who_o have_v the_o least_o reason_n for_o it_o beside_o if_o i_o be_o lead_v into_o error_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o church_n that_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o infallibility_n i_o may_v hope_v to_o recover_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n more_o than_o if_o she_o pretend_v and_o i_o believe_v her_o infallible_a for_o such_o a_o church_n will_v not_o so_o ready_o deny_v i_o the_o mean_n of_o examine_v her_o doctrine_n and_o so_o i_o may_v be_v able_a to_o discover_v the_o error_n myself_o if_o not_o i_o have_v this_o comfort_n at_o least_o that_o my_o guide_n be_v not_o engage_v to_o contend_v that_o they_o be_v infallible_a be_v themselves_o in_o the_o way_n of_o detect_v their_o own_o mistake_n and_o will_v more_o easy_o come_v off_o from_o it_o but_o they_o that_o pretend_v to_o infallibility_n be_v stake_v down_o to_o their_o opinion_n and_o though_o their_o cause_n be_v never_o so_o bad_a they_o be_v engage_v to_o serve_v it_o and_o therefore_o this_o pretence_n be_v so_o far_o from_o discharge_v i_o of_o the_o pain_n of_o use_v my_o own_o judgement_n and_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o i_o make_v the_o most_o foolish_a venture_v in_o the_o world_n if_o i_o do_v not_o use_v my_o reason_n as_o strict_o as_o i_o can_v in_o examine_v that_o very_a pretence_n before_o i_o admit_v it_o and_o though_o a_o church_n claim_n to_o infallibility_n be_v in_o itself_o never_o so_o just_a and_o wellgrounded_n it_o be_v to_o i_o but_o a_o pretence_n till_o i_o understand_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o nor_o can_v any_o man_n blame_v i_o if_o before_o i_o be_o convince_v of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o that_o church_n i_o take_v those_o particular_a doctrine_n into_o consideration_n which_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o this_o account_n that_o i_o may_v this_o way_n also_o judge_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o that_o pretence_n for_o it_o be_v not_o for_o nothing_o that_o man_n will_v be_v think_v infallible_a if_o i_o find_v the_o doctrine_n they_o will_v put_v off_o with_o such_o authority_n to_o be_v indeed_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a rational_a and_o scriptural_a tend_v to_o the_o reformation_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n this_o will_v incline_v i_o to_o
in_o search_v for_o truth_n we_o must_v implore_v his_o help_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n who_o word_n be_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o who_o spirit_n be_v the_o guide_n into_o truth_n that_o he_o will_v free_v our_o mind_n from_o all_o prejudices_fw-la and_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o from_o every_o thing_n which_o obstruct_v a_o right_a understanding_n if_o we_o lack_v wisdom_n we_o must_v ask_v it_o of_o god_n who_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o and_o now_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o all_o that_o read_v these_o paper_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v to_o the_o unspeakable_a advantage_n of_o god_n church_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n if_o all_o that_o profess_v christianity_n have_v inquire_v into_o the_o controversy_n of_o religion_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v concern_v in_o they_o with_o these_o disposition_n that_o i_o have_v recommend_v and_o therefore_o i_o do_v the_o more_o earnest_o desire_v they_o to_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o their_o breast_n and_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o ask_v themselves_o if_o they_o have_v in_o this_o manner_n seek_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n with_o a_o mind_n thus_o prepare_v with_o impartiality_n and_o diligence_n and_o constant_a prayer_n for_o god_n blessing_n and_o direction_n §_o 8._o iv._o my_o next_o business_n be_v to_o offer_v some_o consideration_n to_o persuade_v our_o people_n to_o a_o honest_a and_o impartial_a trial_n of_o opinion_n in_o religion_n this_o indeed_o can_v be_v do_v by_o all_o with_o equal_a advantage_n because_o of_o the_o difference_n of_o man_n ability_n but_o something_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o all_o and_o every_o one_o be_v to_o do_v what_o he_o can_v and_o god_n expect_v no_o more_o if_o we_o choose_v a_o way_n of_o religion_n at_o random_n or_o without_o honest_a care_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n we_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o delusion_n because_o there_o be_v false_a religion_n and_o damnable_a error_n in_o the_o world_n say_v st._n john_n try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n there_o be_v danger_n of_o run_v into_o grievous_a error_n in_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n if_o christian_n be_v not_o careful_a to_o examine_v thing_n and_o sure_o the_o danger_n be_v great_a in_o this_o corrupt_a age_n and_o this_o extremely-divided_n state_n of_o christendom_n it_o often_o happen_v also_o i_o doubt_v for_o the_o most_o part_n that_o seducer_n be_v more_o diligent_a and_o wise_a to_o propagate_v error_n than_o good_a man_n be_v to_o gain_v proselyte_n to_o the_o truth_n the_o former_a be_v evermore_o too_o hard_o for_o the_o latter_a in_o confidence_n peremptoriness_n threaten_v of_o damnation_n magnificent_a and_o lofty_a pretence_n and_o where_o the_o case_n call_v for_o it_o in_o artificial_a address_n and_o insinuation_n and_o this_o make_v our_o danger_n the_o great_a if_o we_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o try_v before_o we_o trust_v nay_o if_o we_o be_v secure_a from_o impostor_n yet_o because_o no_o man_n be_v infallible_a we_o shall_v not_o surrender_v up_o our_o belief_n whole_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o man_n but_o judge_n of_o his_o doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v because_o there_o can_v be_v a_o strong_a ground_n for_o our_o assent_n to_o any_o thing_n than_o that_o god_n have_v say_v it_o we_o be_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a how_o we_o receive_v a_o opinion_n for_o which_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v multiply_v one_o upon_o another_o i._n e._n we_o must_v see_v whether_o they_o do_v indeed_o prove_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n for_o otherwise_o we_o may_v by_o the_o pretence_n of_o so_o great_a authority_n be_v the_o more_o fasten_v in_o some_o dangerous_a error_n we_o be_v expose_v to_o manifest_a hazard_n if_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o admire_v a_o man_n for_o bring_v much_o scripture_n to_o serve_v his_o purpose_n but_o not_o to_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o see_v whether_o those_o passage_n of_o holy_a writ_n be_v pertinent_o apply_v or_o not_o to_o this_o i_o must_v add_v that_o the_o error_n we_o may_v fall_v into_o for_o want_v of_o enquiry_n and_o examination_n may_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o our_o own_o soul_n some_o there_o be_v that_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o if_o we_o be_v in_o their_o way_n they_o may_v wrest_v they_o to_o we_o too_o we_o may_v inconsiderate_o take_v up_o principle_n that_o will_v by_o degree_n debauch_v our_o conscience_n and_o reconcile_v we_o to_o wicked_a practice_n and_o in_o many_o instance_n eat_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n sin_n and_o duty_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n by_o consider_v thing_n as_o impartial_o and_o judicious_o as_o we_o can_v we_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v secure_a from_o run_v into_o great_a error_n but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o true_a religion_n will_v become_v more_o plain_a to_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o they_o which_o will_v reward_v our_o endeavour_n with_o great_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o next_o to_o the_o delight_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n gain_v by_o do_v what_o we_o know_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n there_o be_v no_o pleasure_n more_o pure_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o best_a part_n of_o our_o nature_n than_o that_o which_o arise_v from_o a_o improve_a knowledge_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o have_v well_o weigh_v and_o consider_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o persuasion_n we_o shall_v adhere_v more_o steadfast_o to_o that_o truth_n which_o we_o have_v learn_v and_o not_o be_v easy_o unsettle_a by_o the_o sophistry_n or_o the_o confidence_n of_o ill_a man_n be_v prepare_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o sound_a reason_n in_o the_o former_a and_o no_o just_a cause_n for_o the_o latter_a and_o when_o seducer_n perceive_v that_o we_o have_v inquire_v too_o far_o into_o thing_n to_o be_v bear_v down_o with_o peremptoriness_n or_o to_o be_v delude_v with_o colour_n they_o will_v be_v discourage_v from_o attempt_v to_o draw_v we_o into_o their_o net_n moreover_o it_o will_v be_v no_o little_a satisfaction_n to_o we_o when_o we_o be_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o have_v all_o along_o take_v due_a pain_n to_o inform_v ourselves_o in_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o viz._n those_o which_o regard_v our_o everlasting_a salvation_n and_o that_o the_o error_n into_o which_o we_o may_v have_v fall_v be_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o want_v of_o honest_a diligence_n in_o inquire_v after_o the_o truth_n but_o only_o to_o humane_a infirmity_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o can_v have_v the_o conscience_n of_o sincerity_n upon_o good_a ground_n if_o we_o do_v not_o with_o diligence_n apply_v ourselves_o to_o know_v all_o our_o duty_n and_o consequent_o all_o that_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o it_o or_o which_o lead_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o one_o character_n of_o that_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n which_o our_o saviour_n compare_v to_o the_o good_a ground_n be_v to_o understand_v the_o word_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o pharisee_n do_v not_o understand_v be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o of_o their_o father_n the_o devil_n who_o lust_n they_o do_v one_o reason_n why_o god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n permit_v imposture_n and_o error_n to_o go_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o world_n be_v because_o this_o serve_v to_o make_v a_o more_o evident_a difference_n between_o those_o that_o be_v sincere_a and_o honest_a and_o those_o that_o be_v not_o so_o for_o in_o these_o circumstance_n good_a man_n will_v take_v the_o more_o pain_n to_o distinguish_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n while_o the_o insincere_a either_o take_v up_o that_o profession_n which_o serve_v best_a for_o their_o worldly_a end_n or_o take_v occasion_n by_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n about_o religion_n to_o throw_v off_o all_o pretence_n to_o religion_n itself_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n among_o you_o say_v st._n paul_n that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v that_o by_o honest_a endeavour_n to_o be_v right_o inform_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n qualify_v ourselves_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o another_o life_n and_o show_v that_o we_o be_v dispose_v heavenwards_o and_o desirous_a of_o that_o infinitely-bet_a state_n of_o thing_n where_o darkness_n and_o error_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o for_o one_o great_a part_n of_o the_o reward_n promise_v in_o a_o better_a life_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v know_v divine_a thing_n more_o perfect_o there_o than_o we_o can_v do_v in_o this_o world_n but_o this_o can_v be_v